Celebrated shark diver and conservationist Valerie Taylor, along with a coalition of citizen scientists, scuba enthusiasts, Indigenous leaders, students, scientists, and celebrities, have united to protect the grey nurse shark (Carcharias taurus) off eastern Australia. Known as the sand tiger shark in some regions, this species is found in temperate and subtropical waters globally. Despite their menacing appearance, they are not aggressive toward humans. In the past, they were misunderstood and portrayed as aggressive, leading to culling efforts, habitat degradation, and population declines, resulting in their classification as a “Vulnerable” species.

The grey nurse shark inspired Chris Hemsworth to take up scuba diving and is featured in the Disney documentary “Shark Beach.” Taylor's dedication to the grey nurse dates back to 1984 when she and her husband were among the first to recognize the need for protection. Previously, the Taylors were involved in filming footage for “Jaws,” which led to a surge in recreational shark hunting. Taylor has since been an advocate for sharks, stating, “I’ve been fighting for the poor old, much maligned sharks and the marine world, in general, ever since.”

The Taylors campaigned for the protection of grey nurse sharks, marking a pioneering achievement as the first protected shark species in the world. Now, at 88, Taylor is rallying for the survival of the species, orchestrating a monumental census of grey nurse shark populations along the eastern coast of Australia. Hundreds of scuba divers will convene on August 26 to survey the known aggregation sites. Taylor is lobbying for her “String of Pearls” – that the 30 aggregation sites become Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), providing sanctuary for these species.

MPAs are designated zones for the conservation and protection of marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources. Taylor hopes these will become no-take reserves, important for various aspects of the sharks’ life cycle, including mating and breeding. Local figures of influence, such as NRL Sharks star Nicho Hynes and Chris Hemsworth, will lend their voices to raise awareness. Taylor also hopes to involve First Nations people as sea rangers and custodians, fostering a holistic approach to marine management that intertwines culture, sustainability, and economic development.